What is one common mistake to avoid when answering multiple-choice questions?

Overthinking and second-guessing initial answers can lead to unnecessary confusion and doubt, which may cause you to change a correct choice to an incorrect one. Many test-takers rely on their first instincts because they often reflect a moment of clarity based on what they know at the time. When candidates second-guess their initial responses, they may inadvertently fall victim to misinterpretation of the question or the answer choices, which can detract from their confidence and ability to accurately evaluate the options.

In multiple-choice tests, the initial choice often emerges from a quick recall of information, and relying too heavily on second-guessing can complicate the process and ultimately compromise performance. Therefore, it is generally advisable to trust your educated first response, as it is often based on your gut feeling or first impression, which aligns more closely with your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.